IT’S NOW OR NEVER!

IT'S NOW OR NEVER!

By – ALICIA EVANS

It won’t come as news to anyone that the key to success is preparation. Whether you are riding in a team or as a solo athlete having carefully planned for pre, during and post race scenarios could make or break your performance. Here are some last minute reminders to think about when packing your Adrenalin Bags!

Pit Area:

• Pack for every weather condition…it’s the rockies.

• Chargers for lights, phones and for those who have forgotten

• First Aid Kit for you and your bike…medical is available but a simple ‘patch kit’ may solve the problem when it comes to unexpected bumps and bruises.

•Sunglasses. Interchangeable lenses or additional pairs

•Pumps for tires and shocks

•Duct Tape. Brilliant for everything. If you forget it, Crazy Larry will have it!

•Change of clothes for biking and post race.

•Extra bike shoes if you have them.

•Portable Boot dryer. This may be a luxury item but just think how much you will enjoy a warm pair of shoes and gloves if the weather gets a little brisk!

•Clothes hangers. Makes your gear easily accessible and keeps it off the ground.

•Bungee cords. Those tents can move if the wind picks up and we’ve seen them fly before. Bring additional rope and cord to secure your tent.

•Chair/s. You will appreciate putting your feet up even if you are a solo competitor who plans on minimal rest.

•Bug spray

•Alarm clock. May save you from the 3am wake up call from your team mate who was waiting for you since 2.45am.

•Team Masseur! Have you budgeted for this? Or have you convinced your partner that it is crucial to your success.

•Coffee Urn. Warm drink, warm face cloth, possibly a coffee in the wee hours of the morning when you can’t remember completing your last lap.

•Garbage bags and zip lock bags

•Bear Spray. There are some fantastic carrier systems available now. Bear Cozy have a great unit that enables you to put the can inside your water bottle.

•Rags, sponges, buckets, brushes and gloves. A clean bike is a fast bike!

•Additional water bottles or reservoir.

•Large water container to refill during the race, especially for solo competitors.

•Chamois cream. This may well be your best friend on the day.

Pre Race:

•Check and re-check timing chips and race numbers, especially if you’re in a team.
•Pre ride the course and identify potential areas to pass, feed, where you will need to turn the power on. Short, sharp climbs could mean you’re running your bike back if your chain breaks.

•Know the area and the rules. Where are the toilets, bike mechanics, medical, timing tent, charging area, start/finish line.

•Listen to race briefing carefully.

•Nutrition. Write a list and be prepared. Ensure items that need to be kept cold are in a cooler and marked with a sharpie if necessary. Variety is key as there will be times when you don’t feel like eating but need to.

•Have a team meeting. Decide your order, what happens in the event of a canceled lap, injury, mechanical, lap times etc. If the race is ‘on’ between teams organization could be the difference between placings. Who in your team missed their calling as an Olympic track athlete. They may like to start the race! Unless of course they aren’t quite as quick on the bike!

The Race:

•If you are a solo competitor or the first rider be careful of the pace at the start. It can be frantic and the potential for incident higher.

•Wind trainer. It is crucial to get your body moving for your next lap and again after you have finished.

•HR Monitor. May be used by solo competitors to gauge performance and fatigue and remain consistent with laps.

•Pace yourself. Don’t get carried away by Cory Wallace setting the course record on the first lap. But do say hi. Chances are you’ll see him go past a few times.

•Mental Prep. When the going gets tough what will get you through? Pit crew, quotes, music in pit area, an inspirational person, a mantra. Have a bag full of strategies.

•Get up well before your scheduled lap, warm up and make sure you are ready for your team mate when they come in. We see this happen to teams every year.

•Lights, lights, lights. It’s better to be lit up like a Christmas tree, rather than becoming an ornament.

•Try to maintain a relaxed grip and loose shoulders. Tightness and fatigue are going to happen but the impact may be reduced with shoulder shrugs, shaking out your hands, neck rolls and sitting up in your saddle when safe.

The camaraderie between teams and solo competitors at the 24hours of Adrenalin is like no other. Whether you’re out on the trail, waiting for your lap to begin or done your day, encourage other riders, show your appreciation for the many volunteers that make the race happen and enjoy this unique Rockies Experience